Saturday Stages - Music & Storytelling

Compton Music Stage

10:15 AM Jody Mosser and Johnny Calamari

Jody Mosser ’01 is a Frostburg, Md., native and accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has built a career performing, teaching and producing music. He tours regionally with progressive bluegrass group The Plate Scrapers and Pittsburgh-based old-time/swing band The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers. Since 2005, he has taught guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo and bass. Mosser has shared the stage with renowned artists including Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Jeff Austin, Cris Jacobs and Larry Keel. He won first place in the Watermelon Park Fest Guitar Flat-Picking Competition in 2013 and also works as a live sound and studio engineer and producer. His solo album, Hands Full, is out now.

Johnny Calamari is a touring bassist and vocalist from Waynesboro, Pa., bringing a warm, roots-driven sound shaped by the region’s rich bluegrass tradition. Known for his soulful groove, upright bass skills and engaging stage presence, Calamari is also a Nashville recording artist who has performed with Peter Rowan, Dom Flemons, Dave Eggar, Gina Furtado, The Wooks and Dangermuffin, among others.

11 AM Billy McComiskey, Rhys Jones and Richard Hearn

Billy McComiskey is a Brooklyn native and master of East Galway-style Irish accordion music. A longtime champion of traditional Irish music, McComiskey helped establish and grow the vibrant Irish music scene in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the tradition, he was awarded the prestigious 2016 NEA National Heritage Fellowship.

Rhys Jones has spent three decades immersed in traditional Appalachian, French-Canadian and Irish fiddle music. He learned from generations of renowned West Virginia fiddlers and has become an accomplished banjo and guitar player. A sought-after accompanist, Jones regularly performs alongside both Irish and American musicians.

Richard Hearn is a Baltimore-based banjo player and guitarist who performs with several traditional music projects, including the Mount Clare Connection and Irish trio the East Coasters, which recently released its debut studio album. Hearn also serves as administrative director of Baltimore Trad Fest and director of the Baltimore Irish Music School.

12 PM Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble

Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble brings a uniquely American story to the stage through the infectious energy of percussive dance and music. Blending live music, singing and a dazzling array of dance styles, Footworks celebrates the rich multicultural traditions that have shaped American performance. Now in its fifth decade, the acclaimed ensemble has represented American culture around the world, including a Smithsonian Institution tour of Japan and appearances as guest artists with Riverdance in London. This performance is supported in part by a Touring Arts Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

12:45 PM Appalachian Soul Man Aristotle Jones with the Porch Pickin' Trio

Following the release of his latest album, Mountain Doo-Wop & The Streets of Osage, Appalachian Soul Man Aristotle Jones has earned national recognition as a Black Appalachian Storyteller fellow. Inspired by his family’s history in a small West Virginia coal town, the album features nine songs that reimagine the town’s sonic landscape across generations and eras of change. Jones will be joined by The Porch Pickin’ Trio for this special festival performance.

1:30 PM Marshele Bradford Exchange

Marshele Bradford Exchange brings together four veteran musicians from Pennsylvania and Maryland for a lively blend of bluegrass and gospel. Brad Foust drives the group’s rhythm guitar while delivering lead and harmony vocals and a diverse repertoire of songs. Five-time Maryland State Fiddle Champion Michelle Birkby-Vance adds her award-winning fiddle playing, powerful vocals and original compositions. Radford Vance, a seasoned banjo player, began his musical journey as a member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys. Together, the ensemble combines time-honored favorites with original songs for a dynamic celebration of bluegrass tradition.

2:15 PM Hickory Bottom Band

Hickory Bottom Band is a five-piece group from Western Pennsylvania bringing fresh energy to the bluegrass and acoustic music scene. Blending traditional bluegrass with country and original songs, the band honors the genre’s roots while exploring new musical territory. Their lively performances are known for tight three- and four-part harmonies, strong musicianship and an unmistakable down-home spirit. With three self-produced albums receiving airplay in major markets, Hickory Bottom Band is quickly becoming a group to watch in modern bluegrass.

3:00 PM Second Wind

Second Wind is a group of local musicians from Garrett County, Md., united by a love of traditional bluegrass music. With heartfelt vocals, skilled musicianship and their own take on classic bluegrass favorites, the band delivers family-friendly performances for festivals, community events, churches and private gatherings throughout the region.

The group features Steve Yeash on guitar and vocals, Roger Rounds on mandolin and vocals, John Diller on banjo, harmonica and vocals, Leah Matthews on fiddle and vocals, and Sam Lauver on bass and vocals.

3:45 PM StreamLine

StreamLine is a Hampshire County, W.Va., acoustic band that blends classic bluegrass roots with elements of folk and Americana. Featuring Alana Hartman on flute and vocals, Christi Hicks on mandolin and vocals, Steve Ritz on clawhammer banjo, guitar and vocals, and Frank Nanna on guitar, dobro, autoharp, harmonica and vocals, the group delivers a polished and inviting acoustic sound. Thoughtful songwriting, rich arrangements and tight vocal harmonies make StreamLine a crowd-pleasing act for music fans of all generations.

4:30 PM Backbone Bluegrass

Backbone Bluegrass is a string band trio formed at Frostburg State University in 2024. Featuring Nick Mellen on guitar, Chassady Redhead on fiddle and Morgan Tichnell on banjo, the group brings together a diverse repertoire that spans traditional Scottish fiddle tunes and contemporary bluegrass. Their performances showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of string band music while highlighting the talent of a new generation of musicians.

5:15 PM Day Old News

Day Old News draws inspiration from the rich old-time, bluegrass and Americana traditions of the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland. Featuring Jeremie Hamilton, Tom Bond and Sam Lauver, the group brings a fresh take on the sounds and musical traditions of the region.

Sowers Stage

10:30 AM The Time Travelers

The Time Travelers keep Appalachian folk traditions alive with powerful renditions of traditional tunes, songs and coal-mining ballads from the region. Based primarily in Hampshire and Mineral Counties, W.Va., the group showcases the rich sound of four-part harmony and the enduring musical heritage of Appalachia.

11:10 AM Davis Bradley Duo

Kathy Davis and Bradley Bishop bring their bluegrass, old-time and swing influences together for a unique musical experience rooted in tradition. Performing on more than a dozen traditional instruments, the duo blends fresh takes on classic songs with original compositions, all while exploring the history and evolution of the music. Their dynamic performances offer something familiar, something new and a welcoming introduction to the rich traditions that inspire them.

11:50 AM The Tuesday Night Trio

The Tuesday Night Trio, based in Mineral County, W.Va., features Andy Agnew, Noah Cline and Ed Myers. The trio blends old-time, folk and rock influences, drawing on their diverse musical backgrounds to create a distinctive sound. Their flexible repertoire ranges from traditional favorites to contemporary tunes, with performances tailored to fit each setting.

12:30 PM Me and Martha

Me & Martha, the husband-and-wife duo of Don DePoy and Martha Hills, have been sharing Appalachian Mountain music with audiences since 2010, performing more than 3,800 concerts along the way. Known for their authentic sound and deep connection to the tradition, the duo has earned an international reputation for celebrating Appalachian music as a living art form. With a repertoire of more than 750 songs, Me & Martha deliver engaging performances that connect generations and help keep the region’s rich musical heritage alive.

1:10 PM Loretta Hummel and Paul Dix

Loretta Hummel, a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Grantsville, Md., brings a blend of original music and traditional influences to the stage. A recording artist with several albums to her credit, Hummel has performed at events in Missouri and received multiple international awards in Branson. Her original songs have been featured on radio stations across the United States and Europe, and she has appeared on the Don Frost Family and Friends Gospel Hour on the TCT Television Network. Hummel will be joined by Paul Dix, a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist who performs on guitar and mandolin.

1:50 PM Rhys Jones

Rhys Jones has spent 30 years performing traditional Appalachian, French-Canadian and Irish fiddle music. He began playing at age 7 in Chicago before moving with his family to southern West Virginia, where he learned from renowned traditional fiddlers including Ernie Carpenter, Melvin Wine, Glen Smith and Wilson Douglas. His musical journey also took him to County Mayo, Ireland, further deepening his connection to Irish traditions.

A veteran of concerts, dances, workshops and festivals throughout the United States and Europe, Jones has won both fiddle and band competitions at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop. He has released three albums on the Vigortone label, contributed to numerous recordings and compilations, and appeared in the award-winning concert documentary Absolutely Irish. An accomplished banjo and guitar player as well as a sought-after accompanist, Jones brings a deep knowledge and authentic appreciation of traditional music to every performance.

2:30 PM The Critton Hollow String Band

The Critton Hollow String Band celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a rich repertoire spanning Appalachian traditions and contemporary American folk music. Featuring fiddle, hammer dulcimer, banjo and guitar, the trio brings old ballads, tales of bad men and disappointed lovers, and songs that capture the full range of human experience—from joyful to heartbreaking. Joe Herrmann, Sam Herrmann and Joe Fallon combine precise musicianship, melodic interplay and three-part harmony to create a warm, engaging sound that has resonated with audiences for five decades.

3:10 PM Jeff and Myles Thomas with Madalyn Higgins and Stryder Owens

Jeff and Myles Thomas bring traditional Irish music to life through a father-and-son performance rooted in generations of musical tradition. Jeff, an experienced concertina maker and player, has shared his passion for Irish music with 15-year-old Myles, who began learning fiddle at age 6. Myles recently expanded his musical experience at the Baroque Early Music Camp in Cumberland and Catskills Irish Arts Week in New York. They are joined by 15-year-old Stryder Owens on lap steel slide guitar. A student of Jody Mosser and longtime participant in DelFest Academy, Stryder adds a unique Appalachian flavor to the ensemble.

Madalyn Higgins brings more than 20 years of Irish dance experience to the performance. She began studying under Maxine Olson of Scoil Damhsa in Weston, W.Va., developing a style grounded in traditional Irish techniques and influenced by Appalachian dance forms. Now a Cumberland resident, Higgins is passionate about sharing the joy and energy of Irish dance with new audiences.

3:50 PM Smith & Roberts

Smith & Roberts are a longtime Appalachian duo known for entertaining audiences across the mountain region with an eclectic blend of original songs that capture the stories and spirit of Appalachian life. From lively bar crowds and Presidential Inaugural Balls to music festivals and community concerts, they bring energy, humor and storytelling to every performance. Their song “Garrett County Time” was selected as the official song of Garrett County’s Sesquicentennial celebration. They also recorded three albums with their band, Buffalo Run, including Bemused in Bruceton, released in 2019.

4:30 PM Pete Hobbie and Dakota Karper

Pete Hobbie and Dakota Karper are a father-daughter duo rooted in the rich traditions of old-time Appalachian music. Hobbie’s lifelong musical journey has been shaped by rock, blues, Cajun, classical and other influences, eventually leading him to the banjo and mountain music after returning to West Virginia and starting a family. Music was a constant in the Hobbie household, and when Dakota received her first fiddle from her father at age 8, she began a musical journey that included both folk music and classical violin through the Suzuki program.

Today, Karper continues to share her passion for traditional music through her folk music school, The Cat and The Fiddle, in Capon Bridge, W.Va., where Hobbie is now learning fiddle himself. Together, they blend haunting fiddle melodies, driving banjo and guitar rhythms, and heartfelt vocals to create a warm, authentic Appalachian sound.

5:10 PM Gilbert Lee and Hanna Livingston

Gilbert Lee, a singer-songwriter from Allegany County, has released numerous albums and EPs since 2016, both as a solo artist and with his band, The Ghost on the Radio. Known for his clear, versatile vocals and eclectic songwriting, Lee draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles and influences.

The Ghost on the Radio is equally known for its dynamic performances, with members often switching between instruments. Fiddle and trumpet player Hanna Livingston are particular highlights of the band’s sound. Their latest release, Late Last Night (2026), showcases their genre-spanning approach, blending reggae, pop, alt-country and folk into an engaging musical journey.

Chapel Happenings Outdoors

10:00 AM Frostburg Arion Band

Originally organized in 1877 to accompany a local singing society, the Frostburg Arion Band has been an enduring part of the community for nearly 150 years. Today, the band brings together musicians of multiple generations who share a love of music and a commitment to carrying on the rich tradition of community bands.

11:10 AM Ben Townsend and Bodhi Gibbons-Guinn

Ben Townsend and Bodhi Gibbons-Guinn are exploring the traditional styles and repertoire of old-time fiddle music through a mentor-apprentice relationship. The pair are current recipients of the Maryland State Arts Council Folklife Apprenticeship and former recipients of the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship. An accomplished musician and teacher, Ben shares his knowledge with Bodhi, a young fiddler who frequently joins him for old-time music jams in Frostburg.

12:30 PM to 3:00 PM Appalachian Storytelling

12:30 Fran Kirk

Francene Kirk is an educator, storyteller and theatre artist who spent 22 years teaching communication and theatre at Fairmont State University. As the Abelina Suarez Professor, she interviewed more than 30 women about their experiences before Title IX, transforming their stories into 9 Before IX, a compelling one-person “informance” exploring gender discrimination and the changing landscape of women’s opportunities.

Kirk’s performance of 9 Before IX was featured at the Southeastern Theatre Conference’s Fringe Festival. A former public school teacher, she is a member of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild and an inductee of the West Virginia Thespian Hall of Fame.

1:00 PM Larry Jent

Larry Jent grew up in a family of storytellers, where the tradition was affectionately known as “swapping lies.” A celebrated storyteller and winner of prestigious liars’ competitions, Larry is quick to remind audiences that all stories are true, though some are more factual than others.

With a playful disregard for letting facts stand in the way of a great tale, Larry draws from his Cherokee and Welsh heritage, Appalachian traditions, and a healthy dose of his own creative fabrications. His stories are delivered with humor, heart, and the unmistakable spirit of a born storyteller.

1:30 PM Adam Booth

Recognized as West Virginia’s Folk Artist of the Year in 2022, Adam Booth brings the rich traditions of Appalachian folklore and music together with a contemporary perspective to create compelling story artistry. His cinematic storytelling style, which is equal parts humorous and heartfelt, is rooted in the diverse generations of storytellers who have shaped West Virginia’s cultural landscape.

A nationally touring artist, Booth has performed at premier storytelling events and venues across the United States, captivating audiences with stories that celebrate the spirit, humor, and evolving identity of Appalachia.

2:00 PM Ilene Evens

Illene Evans is a nationally and internationally recognized storyteller, educator, and lecturer whose work reaches audiences across the United States and abroad. Engaging, educational, and entertaining, her performances and programs inspire audiences of all ages.

A West Virginia resident, Ms. Evans is the co-founder of Voices from the Earth, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to the power of storytelling and the arts. She has also served as President of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild, contributing her leadership and passion to the storytelling community.

2:30 PM Jo Ann Dadisman

Jo Ann Dadisman is a retired West Virginia educator and passionate storyteller who believes stories are powerful tools for learning, connecting with the past, and discovering the experiences we share across cultures and generations.

While Appalachian tales hold a special place in her repertoire, Jo Ann brings audiences stories from around the world, including folktales, myths, and legends. Her programs explore a wide range of themes—from the tales of October and Christmas to stories of the Civil War, coal mining, and the rich cultural heritage of Appalachia.

Leading a bluegrass band as a bass player brings unique challenges and opportunities, and stepping into that role as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated genre adds another dimension to the experience.

Join Missy Raines for an engaging conversation about the dynamics of working in a bluegrass band, the power of collaboration, and the many ways creative leadership can shape a musical community. Together, we’ll explore what it means to lead, listen, inspire, and create as part of a working band. (Photo credit: Stacie Huckeba)

4:00 PM Workshop: Canjo Workshop With Jim Morris

Join renowned instrument maker Jim Morris for a hands-on workshop where participants will build and learn to play a canjo: a simple, one-stringed instrument with a tin-can soundbox.

Known locally for his inventive approach to instrument making, Jim creates unique instruments from unexpected materials, including salad bowls, frying pans, cigar boxes, and just about anything else that can make a sound. Participants will receive all necessary supplies and will leave with the instrument they create, along with the skills to play it.